Tips for buying a Technics turntable
Looking for a used (Technics) turntable but no idea what to look for? This guide will help you out.
View selectionWhich model should I buy?
Technics turntables come in a variety of models, from the original SL-1200 (from 1972) to the latest MK7. The model that suits you best depends on a number of factors:
- What you want to use the turntable for
(DJing or listening to music) - Your budget
- The nostalgia factor
- The characteristics that are important to you
Are you a DJ or an audiophile?
If you are specifically looking for a turntable suitable for DJing, choose a player of the MK2 model or newer. This is because these have a "Direct Drive" motor, which ensures that a record reaches the set tempo at start-up with lightning speed (0.7s on the MK2). At the time, this was a revolution for Hip-Hop DJs, who took scratching to the next level.
For the music listener who occasionally listens to an album, this is less of a problem, but we recommend purchasing at least a model from MK2 onward, as these have been greatly improved in terms of sound compared to the MK1.
What is your budget?
The price of a Technics turntable has to do with its popularity and the number of players produced. The rarer a player is, the more it costs (if in good condition).
The MK 1 is quite rare but also less popular; its price is usually between 500 and 700 euros.
The most famous model is the MK2, which has been the standard in nightclubs and among music lovers for decades. Used, it can be bought for around 600 - 900 euros, depending on the condition.
For the MK5 and MK7, it is usually between 700 and 1000 euros.
How nostalgic are you?
As mentioned, the MK2 is the model with the most nostalgia, especially among Hip-Hop enthusiasts. These are therefore less likely to see you buy an MK1 or MK7 model, because there simply isn't the same feeling with it. If you are not so nostalgic about this, then budget, condition and features will probably be the deciding factor.
What should the turntable be able to do?
This is an important point. You see, there is a big difference between the MK1 and MK7 models. Whereas the MK1 has only the "basics" and has no pitch control, for example, the MK7 has some newer gadgets such as reverse playback, adjustable start and stop time and removable cables. Between the MK2 and MK3D, which both have pitch control, the main difference is in the "pitch reset" button versus a "dip" at the zero point.
